In a possible domino effect in the transfer market, the Italian club could lose goalkeeper Pepe Reina to the Parisians with Areola potentially then joining La Real to free up the Argentine Rulli to move to Naples.

“Are there negotiations underway with Napoli?” Aperribay is quoted as saying by iamnaples.it.

“Yes, but it’s very complicated, especially given the timing. We’ll see how the negotiations go, it’s a very complicated operation.

“Could Alphonse Areola be a possible replacement? Let’s see how the discussions go between the clubs involved.”

25-year-old Rulli has previously ruled out leaving the Basque club this summer although this latest offer – thought to be in the region of €26m– could change the situation.

Rulli played every minute for La Real in their La Liga campaign last year, helping them to a Europa League position this season and has a €40m release clause in his contract.